1926.62(i)(2): Clean Change Areas for Lead Work
Employers must provide clean change areas for workers exposed to lead above the PEL, and as interim protection for listed tasks, whether or not respirators are used. Change areas must have separate storage for work clothing and street clothes to prevent cross-contamination, and workers must not leave wearing required protective clothing or equipment.
Key takeaways
- 1926.62(i)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart D).
- OSHA cited it 13 times in the last 3 years, in 11 inspections, with $259 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OR (3), RI (1), VA (1).
- Related part: 1926.62(i) Hygiene facilities and practices (25 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.62(i)(2) ("Change areas") is one requirement inside 1926.62 Lead, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart D). It includes 3 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(2) Change areas. 13 citations
(i) The employer shall provide clean change areas for employees whose airborne exposure to lead is above the PEL, and as interim protection for employees performing tasks as specified in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, without regard to the use of respirators. Open (i)(2)(i) 10 citations
(ii) The employer shall assure that change areas are equipped with separate storage facilities for protective work clothing and equipment and for street clothes which prevent cross-contamination. 2 citations
(iii) The employer shall assure that employees do not leave the workplace wearing any protective clothing or equipment that is required to be worn during the work shift. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.62.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: OR (3), RI (1), VA (1), MA (1), CT (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| LEGACY CONTRACTING, INC. | NORTH BEND, OR | $259 |
| DR COLORS LLC | PROVIDENCE, RI | $0 |
| HOUSES PAINTING AND MORE LLC | STAUNTON, VA | $0 |
| JD CORDAGE LLC | PLYMOUTH, MA | $0 |
| CORNERSTONE IMPROVEMENT, LLC | HARTFORD, CT | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.62(i)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Clarification of "as free as practicable" lead contamination on surfaces (2025-09-29)
- Clarification of "as free as practicable" and lead contamination under 29 CFR 1926.62. (2003-01-13)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.62(i) Hygiene facilities and practices 25 citations
- 1926.62(i)(2)(i) 10 citations
- 1926.62(i)(4) Eating facilities 3 citations
- 1926.62(i)(4)(ii) 1 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Who must get clean change areas?
Employees with airborne lead exposure above the PEL, and as interim protection for tasks in (d)(2), regardless of respirator use.
Must work clothes and street clothes be stored separately?
Yes, in separate storage that prevents cross-contamination.
Can workers wear protective clothing home?
No. Employees must not leave the workplace wearing required protective clothing or equipment.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.62 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.